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Sandy Banks: An Obama coalition that looks like America

November 7, 2012 | 10:53
am

Four years ago,
when Barack Obama laid claim to the presidency, the streets around our downtown
office were humming with celebratory energy. Last night, they were dark
and virtually deserted by the time Mitt Romney conceded.

But I could hear the thrum
of music from up the hill at Grand Park, downtown’s newly inaugurated gathering
spot. I headed over and found a street scene that would have been unthinkable
in the city’s center the last time around.

Thousands of young people
had gathered on the lawn, many sporting “I voted” stickers and quaffing beer
garden drinks. There were blankets, a bank of big-screen TVs and a sense of
excitement mixed with relief.

I could count the number
of people over 30 on one hand, with fingers left. But there was no way to tally
the diversity: Gay and straight. Couples. College kids. Hipsters. Rastas. Guys
in business suits. White, black, Latino, Asian and everything in between.

They were waiting for their
president to speak. More than 60% of voters in their 20s cast ballots for
Obama. And millions walked precincts and manned phone banks. Word of last night’s county-sponsored celebration spread on Twitter
feeds and Facebook posts.

I realized I was
witnessing a passing of the baton, a step into a new era by our city and our
country. They reflect an emerging boundary-less America, just as Grand
Park is a symbol of a new, more inclusive downtown.

I saw kaleidoscopic
diversity, felt hope stirring and heard the power of young voices.

When Obama riffed in his
acceptance speech on sentiments — love, duty, charity, patriotism — that might
sound corny on some other night, they hooted, clapped and cheered, signifying
their approval with clenched fists and peace signs thrust toward the sky.

And when the president
signed off with “God bless these United States,” I teared up. But the
young people behind me were smiling broadly, chanting "USA! USA! USA!"